Team

Who We Are - Team
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." -Hellen Keller

b.e.t.t.e.r. ed guide is an amalgamation of diverse mindsets, experiences, and expertise.

Founder
Amrita Sareen -Tak‘s disability advocacy work started in 2019. She has worked with a number of high-profile independent school communities in facilitating discussions on a various topics, including understanding: the disability identity, ableism, micro-aggressions/bias, disability studies and how to create a more equitable society.

Currently, she serves as an advisor to the Intentional Endowment Network, a non-for-profit focused on working with higher educational endowments in investing with a sustainable lens. She has published a number of articles related to ESG and impact investing. Amrita is also a member of the Capital Speakers Club of Washington D.C.

Previously, she worked as a banker on Wall Street. She lives in Bethesda with her husband and children. She is an avid runner and freelances for business oriented publications.

Amrita Sareen-Tak picking up her son
Kaya Duggan with her son

Partner
Kaya Duggan has been working with and learning from the disability community for over a decade, beginning when her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in 2011. 

Believing that knowledge is power, in recent times, Kaya delivered a wide expanse of disability awareness content to K-4 classrooms and is eager to expand these efforts.  Additionally, she actively supports multiple para-athletic organizations, serves on various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committees, and volunteers her time to school and community efforts.

Previously, Kaya worked in marketing and product management within the financial sector. She currently lives in Harrison, NY with her husband, son, two teenage daughters, and their dog, Millie.

Our program continues to be validated and reviewed by industry experts spanning a myriad of disciplines. Some of our special advisers include:

  • Kim Avarello, MS Special Education, Autism Consultant and Behavior Specialist
  • Diane L. Eisenhower, MT-BC, Board Certified Music Therapist
  • Kimberly Geary, MS, OTR/L, Pediatric Occupational Therapist
  • Dr. Heather Haynes Smith, Ph.D., Trinity University Associate Professor, Department of Education, identifies with dyslexia and a mother of a son with a disability
  • Leslie Johnson, M.Ed, CALC, My Best Self Coaching and mother of children with disabilities
  • JoAnn Pellegrino, MS, CCC-SLP, Pediatric Speech Pathologist
  • Michelle Riconsente, Ph.D., Learning Scientist/ Tech Startup COO
  • Dr. Arielle Silverman, Ph.D., a Disabilities Research and Training Consultant, and a Social Activist who is blind
  • Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Inclusive America Project and Senior Consultant for Diversity and Inclusion at YSC Consulting
  • Neha Verma, co-founder of non-for-profit organization focused on rare disease awareness
  • Christine Zanchi, M.Ed., children’s media producer and LearnLaunch mentor
  • Beth Zeiter-Chan, PT, MSPT, PCS and a mother of a son with disabilities
  • Jaime Zindler, M. Ed, American University Adjunct Professor, School of Education